Salalah Hosts Global Experts: How the FDI Capacity-Building Forum Can Boost Your Business Opportunities in Oman
Salalah to Host Executive Forum on Foreign Direct Investment
Oman is set to host a high-level executive forum next month, aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to attract and promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in Salalah.
This three-day event is scheduled for September 16-18, 2025, and will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, organized by the Smart Investment Gateway (SIG) in collaboration with NXT Zones International. It will gather international experts in economics and investment.
The forum is targeted at professionals from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from investment promotion agencies, policymakers, consultants, and executives involved in national development initiatives. Participants will receive intensive training focused on attracting FDI clients, aligning investment projects with Oman Vision 2040, improving post-investment services, integrating artificial intelligence into investment strategies, and designing sustainable economic zones.
The agenda will commence with an overview of global and regional investment trends, accompanied by an analysis of successful projects. The second day will concentrate on strategic promotional and facilitation methods, explore legal frameworks, and investigate the role of artificial intelligence in investment promotion while highlighting collaboration with local partners. The final day will focus on designing future-oriented economic zones aligned with sustainable development goals and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The forum will feature notable contributions from distinguished international experts. Dr. Douglas van den Berghe, CEO of NXTZones – NwHrzN and Vice Chairman of FEMOZA, will share his extensive experience advising governments and international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Bank. Dr. Yousef bin Hamad Al Balushi, a key figure behind Oman Vision 2040 and former regional economic advisor to the International Monetary Fund, will provide insights on connecting investment strategies with private sector efficiency. He is recognized for founding the Oman Investment Portal and participating in leading Gulf investment committees.
Additionally, Dr. Adarsh Verma, Chief Economist with a solid track record in Europe and the Middle East, will offer expertise derived from projects in over 30 countries and his work on integrating sustainable strategies into business models for special economic zones. The program will be conducted in both Arabic and English, with simultaneous translation to facilitate effective participation. It incorporates methodologies and best practices developed in partnership with the United Nations, the World Bank, UNCTAD, and the United Nations Development Programme, giving attendees direct access to the latest international tools for attracting and facilitating investment.
Organizers have emphasized that this initiative highlights Oman’s commitment to establishing itself as a competitive destination for foreign investment, aligning with the national diversification agenda and the long-term objectives of Vision 2040.
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The upcoming high-level executive forum in Salalah signifies a strategic push for Oman to become a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with رؤية 2040. This presents entrepreneurs and investors with enhanced opportunities, particularly in developing sustainable economic zones and leveraging AI in investment strategies. However, businesses must also be prepared for competitive pressures as Oman strengthens its position in the global market landscape.
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